Motorcyclist Found Guilty After Leaving Gravely Injured Fiancée/Passenger at Crash Site

48 year-old Richard Pickett of Vandercook Lake, Michigan was found guilty for failing to remain at an accident resulting in serious impairment or death. Pickett and his 50 year-old fiancée, Bonnie Lynn Arnett were traveling in Jackson, MI where Pickett lost control of his motorcycle on a ramp. Pickett, 48, testified he did not remember much about the crash on Aug. 23. Witnesses said he fled the scene as Bonnie Lynn Arnett, 50, lay dying. Sentencing for the criminal violation of Michigan law has been set for April 23. A civil case for civil wrongful death is caused by a negligent, careless, reckless or intentional act. This sentencing involved the criminal act of failing to remain at the accident scene, where serious injury or death resulted under Michigan state law. There is a strong suspicion that Pickett may have been impaired or intoxicated at the time of the wreck.

As motorcycle riding season kicks into high gear the Outer Banks, North Carolina prepares for the 7th Annual Bike Week. As residents of the Outer Banks from Kitty Hawk to Nags Head know, Highway 158 can be treacherous for motorcyclists. Due to the party-like atmosphere in the beach community drinking and driving is a major reason for accidents on the heavily traveled highway. As the population in the Outer Banks explodes during the tourist season, careless and reckless driving becomes more prevalent. With motorcycle fatalities on the rise keeping a constant awareness for motorcycles is the best way to avoid an accident. Motorcycle riders can reduce their chances of injury by wearing a helmet and appropriate protective clothing.

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